The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater

Reviewed by Cindy

Ratings

Content Ratings based on a 0-5 scale where
0 = no objectionable content and
5 = an excessive or disturbing level of content

Guide to Rating System

LANGUAGE

VIOLENCE

SEXUAL CONTENT

ADULT THEMES

Ratings Explanation

Language:  There was occasional use of the words hell and damn along with the “S” and “A” word once or twice.  Diety was referenced twice.  Crude words such as bastard, piss, tit, crap, balls, etc were used a handful of times.  Someone makes an obscene gesture.

Violence:  The majority of violence in the story has to do with the vicious nature of the water horses (capaill uisce).  Men and animals are either injured or killed by the water horse attacks, with some detail given of the injuries and gore.  The riders cut their fingers in a ceremonial ritual prior to the race.  Two men fight, threatening each other with knives.  Someone slashes another person’s leg with a knife.

Sexual Content:  There is a reference to the size of a woman’s “tits”.  There are a couple of crude remarks such as, “Because Dory Maud did Mr. Davidge” and “The private parts of Dory Maude’s invisible lovers”.  Both remarks were made in jest.  An insult is made, “Is she a better ride than you’re used to?”  There are a couple of kisses between Sean and Puck (Kate).

Adult Themes: A boy witnesses his father’s death by a water horse.  Three siblings lose their parents in an accident while boating.  There is some detail described as to the purpose of a butcher shop.  There are a few instances in which people are smoking and drinking beer.  Someone becomes drunk.  Riders risk their lives in the Scorpio Races.

Synopsis

Spectators are drawn to the Island of Thisby every year for the Scorpio Races when men risk their lives riding the menacing water horses (capaill uisce) which come ashore every autumn.  Some riders live.  Others die.  Sean Kendrick is a four time winner and well known for his expertise with the capaill uisce.  Puck (Kate) Connolly is the first woman to run the race and feels compelled to do so for the sake of her family.  She puts all her heart into preparing for it, but will her efforts be enough to get her through the race alive?

This is one of the best stories I have read in a long time!  It has made my personal list of favorites.  The author Maggie Stiefvater successfully blended the mythological water horse with reality, and at times in the story I completely forgot that the capaill uisce were not real!  If only it were possible to go to Thisby to see these water horses and meet these wonderful characters she has created!  I was completely fascinated by them!  Sean is a man of few words but very sure of himself and is relied upon by all who know him.  He has the ability to connect with the horses, kind of like a horse whisperer.   I love Puck’s courage and the way she is protective of her family.  She is easily irritated and for some reason it made her even more endearing.  In addition, Sean and Puck’s developing relationship occurred with the fewest of words and the least amount of physical contact, yet there was no denying the deep connection between them.  Simply beautiful!  I would recommend this book for 7th grade and up.  In fact I would recommend it for adults as well!